MontereyPoint Lobos
Point Lobos Whalers Cove
Carmel, Monterey Bay, California
Point Lobos · Right now
Fair
Waves at this site, 15 s swell:
- Great under ~1.1 ft
- Good to ~1.9 ft
- Fair to ~2.6 ft
- Rough to ~3.7 ft
- Severe above ~3.7 ft
Partly sheltered from west swell. Small waves, but long-period surge builds at the ramp.
High confidence
High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading 30 min ago.
Updated 24 min ago
Buoy reading: 4:00 PM (54 min ago) at buoy 46239. Measured offshore waves; the current rating starts from it.
Forecast issued: Wed, Oct 14, 1:26 PM PDT. NWS wind and air forecast for this spot; later hours also use the wave model run named under Advanced.
Page data: refreshed every 30 minutes; last refresh Wed, Oct 14, 4:30 PM PDT.
Right now
- Waves
- 2.1ft Estimate
- Swell
- 5.9ft W · 15 sec
- Wind
- 7kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.6ft Falling · 0.8 ft above predicted
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
All readings
- Swells: 6 ft, 15 s W · 4 ft, 7 s NW · Wind 7 kt cross-onshore
- Next low tide 8:15 PM (0.3 ft)
- Next high tide 3:37 AM (3.6 ft)
- Water temperature from buoy 46239; wind (including half the gust) and air from the NWS forecast for this hour.
Forecast limitations
The rating covers surge and entry conditions only.
- Visibility Plankton, runoff and water stirred up for days after big seas aren't in the rating. A "Vis likely poor" note only warns when a known cause is present; it never promises clear water.
- Depth On long-period days, surge on deeper reefs is stronger than at the entry.
- On the day Sets, kelp and currents vary; look at the water before you go in.
- Further out Accuracy drops the further out you look; days 6 and 7 are a rough guide.
Plan your dive
Today · Select a time
Day FairAfter dark FairWhy Fair?
A long-period west swell is partly sheltered here, so expect noticeable surge at the ramp.
Swells: 6 ft, 15 s W · 4 ft, 7 s NW · Wind 7 kt cross-onshore
Rated by the most challenging conditions in the rest of today's daytime, to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading from the last hour.
This window has passed.
This window has passed.
Partly sheltered from west swell. Small waves, but long-period surge builds at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.1ft Estimate
- Swell
- 5.9ft W · 15 sec
- Wind
- 7kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 2.7ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 4:30 PM
High confidence
High confidence: Based on a live buoy reading 54 min ago.
Sunset 6:33 PMDark by 6:59 PMWaxing crescent, about 16% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Forecasts this far out often clear up too fast.
- Waves
- 2ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4.3ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 5kt Light
- Tide
- 0.3ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 8:15 PM (0.3 ft) · Roughest around 8 PM
High confidence
High confidence: This is a forecast about 4 hours ahead; recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:33 PMDark by 6:59 PMWaxing crescent, about 16% lit
Thu, Oct 15 · Select a time
Day FairAfter dark GoodWhy Fair?
11 kt onshore wind chops up the entry and the surface swim.
Swells: 4 ft, 13 s WNW · 3 ft, 6 s NW · 4 ft, 14 s SSW · Wind 11 kt onshore
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Medium confidence because this forecast is about 19 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
11 kt onshore wind chops up the entry. Partly sheltered from northwest swell.
- Waves
- 1.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 3.9ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 11kt Onshore
- Tide
- 4.6ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 11 AM
Medium confidence
Medium confidence because this forecast is about 19 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 3.9ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 10kt Onshore
- Tide
- 4.9ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 1:10 PM (5.1 ft) · Roughest around 12 PM
Medium confidence
Medium confidence because this forecast is about 20 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 3.9ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 6kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.8ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 4 PM
Medium confidence
Medium confidence because this forecast is about 24 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:31 PMDark by 6:57 PMWaxing crescent, about 24% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 5kt Light
- Tide
- 0.6ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 9:11 PM (0.4 ft) · Roughest around 8 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 28 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:31 PMDark by 6:57 PMWaxing crescent, about 24% lit
Fri, Oct 16 · Select a time
Day GoodAfter dark GoodWhy Good?
A northwest swell is partly blocked by the walls of Whalers Cove, so expect some surge at the ramp.
Swells: 4 ft, 12 s WNW · 3 ft, 5 s NW · 4 ft, 15 s SSW · Wind 9 kt cross-shore
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 39 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 3.9ft WNW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 9kt Cross-shore
- Tide
- 3.5ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 7:37 AM (3.5 ft) · Roughest around 7 AM
Low confidence
Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 39 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.7ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4.2ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 6kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 4.5ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 1:58 PM (4.8 ft) · Roughest around 12 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 44 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.6ft Estimate
- Swell
- 3.9ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 6kt Light
- Tide
- 4.2ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 4 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because the wave model is in its first week of calibration here; this forecast is about 48 hours ahead, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:30 PMDark by 6:56 PMFirst quarter, about 34% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.6ft Estimate
- Swell
- 2.8ft WNW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 5kt Light
- Tide
- 0.8ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 10:14 PM (0.6 ft) · Roughest around 9 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 53 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:30 PMDark by 6:56 PMFirst quarter, about 34% lit
Sat, Oct 17 · Select a time
Day GoodAfter dark FairWhy Good?
A short-period northwest swell is partly sheltered here, so expect some surge at the ramp.
Swells: 5 ft, 7 s NW · 4 ft, 12 s WNW · 2 ft, 14 s WNW · Wind 7 kt cross-onshore
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Low confidence because it is about 74 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 1.9ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4ft NW · 6 sec
- Wind
- 7kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.6ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 9:03 AM (3.6 ft) · Roughest around 9 AM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 65 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.1ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4.6ft NW · 7 sec
- Wind
- 9kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 4.5ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 3:04 PM (4.5 ft) · Roughest around 3 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 71 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Some surge possible at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.4ft Estimate
- Swell
- 5ft NW · 7 sec
- Wind
- 7kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.4ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 6 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 74 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:29 PMDark by 6:55 PMFirst quarter, about 44% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Noticeable surge at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.9ft Estimate
- Swell
- 6.3ft NW · 7 sec
- Wind
- 7kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 0.6ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 11:18 PM (0.6 ft) · Roughest around 11 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 79 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:29 PMDark by 6:55 PMFirst quarter, about 44% lit
Sun, Oct 18 · Select a time
Day RoughAfter dark RoughWhy Rough?
A northwest swell is partly blocked by the walls of Whalers Cove, so expect strong surge at the ramp.
Swells: 10 ft, 12 s NW · 3 ft, 16 s SSW · 0.9 ft, 19 s WNW · Wind 15 kt cross-onshore
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Low confidence because it is about 96 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Noticeable surge at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.3ft Estimate
- Swell
- 7.6ft NW · 8 sec
- Wind
- 10kt Onshore
- Tide
- 3.7ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 7:17 AM (3.8 ft) · Low tide 11:05 AM (3.5 ft) · Roughest around 9 AM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 89 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Noticeable surge at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.4ft Estimate
- Swell
- 7.8ft NW · 8 sec
- Wind
- 13kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.6ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 12 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 92 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Strong surge expected at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.5ft Estimate
- Swell
- 9.8ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 15kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 4.4ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 4:24 PM (4.4 ft) · Roughest around 4 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 96 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:27 PMDark by 6:53 PMFirst quarter, about 55% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Strong surge expected at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.5ft Estimate
- Swell
- 9.7ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 14kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 2.7ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 8 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 100 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:27 PMDark by 6:53 PMFirst quarter, about 55% lit
Mon, Oct 19 · Select a time
Day RoughAfter dark FairWhy Rough?
A long-period northwest swell is partly sheltered here, so expect strong surge at the ramp.
Swells: 9 ft, 13 s NW · 3 ft, 15 s SSW · 1 ft, 17 s WNW · Wind 15 kt onshore
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Low confidence because it is about 111 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Small waves, but long-period surge builds at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.1ft Estimate
- Swell
- 9.4ft NW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 15kt Onshore
- Tide
- 3.9ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 7:44 AM (4 ft) · Roughest around 7 AM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 111 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Noticeable surge at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3ft Estimate
- Swell
- 9.1ft NW · 13 sec
- Wind
- 18kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 3.2ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 12:28 PM (3.2 ft) · Roughest around 12 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 116 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Strong surge expected at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3ft Estimate
- Swell
- 9ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 23kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 4.3ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 5:41 PM (4.3 ft) · Roughest around 5 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 121 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:26 PMDark by 6:52 PMFirst quarter, about 65% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Noticeable surge at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.7ft Estimate
- Swell
- 7.6ft NW · 12 sec
- Wind
- 20kt Cross-onshore
- Tide
- 1.2ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 11 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 127 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:26 PMDark by 6:52 PMFirst quarter, about 65% lit
Tue, Oct 20 · Select a time
Day RoughAfter dark RoughNo wind forecast yet for part of this day; those hours cover swell and tide only.
Why Rough?
A long-period northwest swell is partly sheltered here, so expect strong surge at the ramp.
Swells: 11 ft, 13 s NW · 4 ft, 15 s S
Rated by the most challenging conditions from 7 AM to 8 PM. After dark (8 PM to midnight) is shown as conditions, not as a dive window.
Low confidence because it is about 146 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
19 kt onshore wind chops up the entry. Partly sheltered from northwest swell.
- Waves
- 2.1ft Estimate
- Swell
- 4.4ft NW · 15 sec
- Wind
- 19kt Onshore
- Tide
- 4.1ft
From the CDIP MOP nearshore wave model (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) at about 15 m depth off this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 8:05 AM (4.2 ft) · Roughest around 9 AM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 137 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Small waves, but long-period surge builds at the ramp.
- Waves
- 2.8ft Estimate
- Swell
- 10.2ft NW · 14 sec
- Wind
- –
- Tide
- 3ft
Beyond the CDIP MOP forecast: the offshore wave forecast scaled the way MOP scales it at this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Low tide 1:23 PM (2.7 ft) · Roughest around 3 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 143 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Small waves, but long-period surge builds at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.2ft Estimate
- Swell
- 11.4ft NW · 13 sec
- Wind
- –
- Tide
- 4.2ft
Beyond the CDIP MOP forecast: the offshore wave forecast scaled the way MOP scales it at this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
High tide 6:47 PM (4.3 ft) · Roughest around 6 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 146 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Sunset 6:25 PMDark by 6:51 PMWaxing gibbous, about 75% lit
Partly sheltered from northwest swell. Strong surge expected at the ramp.
- Waves
- 3.4ft Estimate
- Swell
- 11.7ft WNW · 13 sec
- Wind
- –
- Tide
- 4ft
Beyond the CDIP MOP forecast: the offshore wave forecast scaled the way MOP scales it at this site. An estimate, not a measurement at the beach.
Roughest around 8 PM
Low confidence
Low confidence because it is about 148 hours out, though recent forecasts have matched the buoy well.
Reduced visibility after dark; access rules still apply.
Sunset 6:25 PMDark by 6:51 PMWaxing gibbous, about 75% lit
Hourly outlook 7 days · tap any hourhold and drag the chart
After darkOvernight
Tap any hour for details.
Entry & parking
Boat ramp entry
Entry: Boat ramp entry inside Whalers Cove. Divers need a reservation and check in at the reserve entrance with proof of certification; check State Parks for current rules.
Parking: The Whalers Cove lot inside the reserve, held for reserved divers.
Access: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: diving by reservation with proof of certification; check State Parks for current rules.
Directions to the entryDirections to parking
Entry hazards
Outside the cove the reserve is fully exposed to swell. Stay inside the cove when it is big.
Live cams & observations
Recent offshore observations · Buoy 46239
- Wave height
- 6.9ft
- Period
- 15s
- Water
- 67°F
Live cams
Randall Spangler's conditions guide · Monterey County Dive Reports
About this dive site
The diving
Protected cove with kelp, reef and walls.
Conditions & exposure
Whalers Cove opens to the north; only a narrow slice of northwest swell (about 320 to 331 degrees) reaches its mouth directly, the rest has to bend in, and Point Lobos itself blocks the south and southwest.
Hazards & considerations
Inside Whalers Cove suits most certified divers on calm days; outside the cove is more exposed.
Advanced forecast & data
This site's forecast combines offshore wave data, predicted ocean conditions, and Point Lobos's exposure to incoming swell.
Show the data and method
Buoy 46239, Point Sur: last 48 hours
Swell trains now (buoy 46239 spectrum, 3:00 PM): 5.1 ft at 15 s from 305° (NW) · wind waves 3.9 ft at 11 s. The rating still uses the buoy's single swell and wind-wave split; the full spectrum is being compared against it.
Forecast vs. buoy 46239
The raw GFS-Wave forecast is running about 2.1 ft low at buoy 46239 today (last 24 hours). The SurgeCast forecast corrects for it.
Wave height
Peak period
Buoy (measured)SurgeCast forecast (corrected)GFS-Wave (raw)Last 3 days and next 2
For comparison, the NWS marine grid ran 1.9 ft low over the same 24 hours. Low means the forecast was smaller than what the buoy measured; high means bigger.
Download the forecast-vs-buoy data (CSV) · NOAA's own spot-check (a handful of NOAA forecasts against this buoy; heights in meters; posted Tue, Oct 13)
Forecast check: The wave model is scaled by 1.40 at the Point Sur buoy (a starting estimate until 7 days of readings are logged). After that, over the last 36 hours the forecast has matched the Point Sur buoy well (69 readings compared).
Validation: Validation in progress: 69 forecast-and-buoy pairs so far since Tue, Oct 13. Accuracy numbers appear here once there are 100 pairs over at least 3 days.
Buoy split now: swell 5.9 ft at 15.4 s from the W, 19% reaches this site; wind waves 3.6 ft at 6.9 s from the NW, 22% reaches this site.
View official NOAA forecast chart
The chart did not load.
Red dots: the buoy. Blue: the latest NWPS forecast; black and light blue: earlier runs. Green: the global GFS-Wave model. Times are UTC (subtract 7 hours for Pacific daylight time). View the full forecast at NOAA
Forecast models
Waves from the NOAA GFS-Wave (WAVEWATCH III) model, run 18Z Wed, Oct 14 at buoy 46239, corrected against what that buoy has measured (systematic factor 1.40, seeded until 7 days of data are logged). The rating uses each hour's waves, wind and tide. Wind and air temperature come from the NWS forecast for the water off Point Lobos, issued Wed, Oct 14, 1:26 PM PDT.
NWS marine forecast: Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas, out to 10 nm
Tonight: NW wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt late this evening and overnight. Seas 4 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: NW 4 ft at 8 seconds and SW 3 ft at 15 seconds.
Thu: NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: NW 4 ft at 7 seconds and SW 3 ft at 15 seconds.
Thu Night: N wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 4 ft. Wave Detail: NW 4 ft at 7 seconds and SW 2 ft at 15 seconds.
Fri: NE wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW in the afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds and S 2 ft at 15 seconds.
Issued Wed, Oct 14, 2:38 PM PDT
View official NOAA swell-systems chart
The chart did not load.
Each color is one swell system; arrow length shows its size. A band at 15 s and up means long-period swell and surge. Times are UTC. View the full forecast at NOAA
Rating logic
- Surge
- The rating turns each swell into a "surge index" in feet: the height that reaches this site, weighted up for longer periods because long swell moves the water harder near the bottom. Here the index moves from Great to Good at 0.9, Fair at 1.6, Rough at 2.2 and Severe at 3.2 ft. Right now it is 1.6 ft.
- Direction
- Whalers Cove opens to the north; only a narrow slice of northwest swell (about 320 to 331 degrees) reaches its mouth directly, the rest has to bend in, and Point Lobos itself blocks the south and southwest.
- Wind
- Onshore wind here blows from the N. Onshore wind over about 10 kt chops up entries and surface swims; a strong offshore wind (over 15 kt) pushes surface swimmers out. Gusts count for half.
- Tide
- Heights at the Monterey tide station, in feet above mean lower low water. The entry is easiest between 0.5 and 6 ft; tide only nudges the rating.
- Trend and confidence
- The trend compares the last 9 hours at the buoy with the next 12 hours of forecast; a building long-period swell can push a borderline day one step worse. Confidence is High for a fresh buoy reading or a forecast for the next 12 hours, and drops with lead time, a backup buoy, or a forecast that has been missing the buoy.
- Limits
- A model, not a guarantee. Back-tested on 137 dated diver reports, it matched the reported level 72% of the time and was within one level 96% of the time (tuned on those same reports, so expect a little less). Always look before you go in.
Sources
- NDBC buoy 46239 (Point Sur)
- NDBC buoy 46236 (Monterey Canyon Outer) At the mouth of the bay; it usually reads 2 to 3 ft higher than the beaches, which the rating accounts for.
- CDIP station 156 (buoy 46236)
- NWPS viewer, Monterey office
- NWS point forecast
- NOAA tide predictions, Monterey
- Photo and font credits